You’ve finally done it: you’ve invested in a phone jammer. Now, you can stop your phone and the phones around you from sending and receiving messages and calls. Whether you’ve done it to cut out distractions, prevent cheating in the classroom, or just to get some peace and quiet, you’ll be enjoying your phone jammer in no time.
Once you unpack the box and take a good look at your new phone jammer, though, you realize it’s a bit more complicated than flipping a switch. Fortunately, you have the internet and experts like us to guide you.
In this article, you’ll learn how to set up your phone jammer step by step and some extra phone jammer tips. Read on to become an expert.
Phone Jammer FAQ
Before you set up your phone jammer, you might have many questions, and you aren’t alone. Due to laws and restrictions regarding phone jammers and other signal jammers, most people don’t have experience or access to information about them. Fully understanding what a phone jammer is, how it works, and in what situations you can use them will help you better set up your device.
How Do Phone Jammers Work?
Phone jammers are devices that cancel out the signals sent between a cell phone and a cell phone tower. These devices effectively stop devices from being able to communicate with the outside world using cellular data.
Phone jammers block signals by overcrowding the radio frequencies that cell phones use to communicate. They can do this by sending out the same radio frequency signals that cell phones and towers use. As a result, cell phones within the range of the phone jammer will not send or receive calls and text messages.
Many recent mobile phones, however, also have other channels of communication. Modern cell phones often have WiFi-assisted calls and messaging and the ability to connect over Bluetooth and communicate using GPS signals. In response, many signal jammer manufacturers have produced jammers that can block more than one form of communication.
If you buy a basic phone jammer, you might only be able to block cellular data. If you buy more advanced jammer models, you can try blocking cellular data as well as WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Are Phone Jammers Illegal?
As we work with global clients, law enforcement, and military, we ask that all potential clients do their own research for their region, and make an informed decision prior to ordering and use. Many countries have banned the use of not only phone jammers but all types of signal jammers. It should be noted that signal detectors are passive and have no restrictions whatsoever.
Phone jammers were originally developed by military and law enforcement to help in disrupting adversaries’ communications. These signal jammers can also prevent cell phone bombs detonation. These devices can also help in hostage situations and prevent criminals from speaking with one another. The law enforcement and military applications are numerous, and life saving.
Many countries have slowly begun legalizing cell phone jammers now that advanced technologies allow emergency communications to function while other communications are disrupted. Most phone jammers can now disrupt regular cell phone signals without disrupting the frequencies used for law enforcement and first responders.
Since 2004, France has allowed phone jammers in venues where silence is enforced. French citizens can now use phone jammers in movie theaters and other performance venues.
India has used jammers in both political venues and prisons. Even universities in Italy have used jammers to help prevent students from cheating.
Trends show that signal jammers will slowly become legalized in many more jurisdictions as the technology advances.
Can a Phone Signal Booster Cancel Out a Phone Jammer?
Signal boosters and cell signal amplifiers can only boost signals that exist. If you are using a phone jammer to block cellular signals, then a signal booster will not function. Therefore, signal boosters will not cancel out any efforts by a phone jammer.
As is explored in the next section, however, there are instances where a phone jammer is rendered ineffective. If the cell phone in question is receiving a strong signal due to a signal booster, it’s possible that your phone jammer won’t have a strong enough output power to cancel out the signal. Or, your device could be set up too far away.
What Is My Phone Jammer’s Range?
When it comes to phone jammer range, several factors could interfere with the device’s abilities and range. Cell phones need to send and receive signals from the nearest cell phone tower to function. Phone jammers work by interfering with at least one of those abilities.
The basic rule is that the phone jammer’s output power has to be equal to or stronger than the cell phone’s signal strength. The stronger the cell signal for the phones, the higher the output power of the jammer will have to be. If the jammer isn’t strong enough, it will have to compensate by being closer to the cell phone it’s trying to block.
For example, a phone jammer that boasts 1W of output power for every channel will be able to work on phones that are in a range of 10 to 30 meters away. However, the jammer will only work on cell phones in that range if the general cell phone signal strength in that area is weak or only decent. This means that it will only block cell phones with 1 or 2 bars of signal strength.
In the same instance, if the cell phone has a strong signal, or has 3 to 4 signal bars, then your jammer will have to be only 3 to 10 meters away. Unfortunately, some cases reveal an ineffective phone jammer as the signal strength in that area is too strong for the device’s output power.
To buy the correct phone jammer for your situation, you’ll need to first be aware of the cell phone signal strength in the areas you are trying to block signals in and buy a device with a strong enough output power for the radius you require.
11 Steps for Phone Jammer Set Up
Now that you better understand how phone jammers work and what factors affect their abilities, you can follow these steps for setting up your phone jammer. Maintaining a full knowledge of your jammer device and the signals in the area will help you successfully block signals.
1. Determine Why You Are Using A Jammer
Before you can turn the jammer on and expect success, you’ll need to go through a thorough device vetting process. It is extremely important to determine why you are buying a phone jammer and what situations you’ll need it to perform. Buying the incorrect jammer can cause poor performance or complete failure.
Whose phone signals do you want to block? Will you be blocking signals within a building or outside? Will you have the ability to change batteries or plug in your jammer while you need it to function?
Common situations for using a phone jammer are at an educational institution, on public transport, at the workplace, in places of worship, at political institutions, in prisons, and performance venues.
Each venue has its own difficulties for a jammer to do its job, so make sure you understand exactly how you’ll be using the device.
2. Find Cell Signal Strength
If you can, check the cell signal strength in the area, you intend to use your phone jammer. Pull out your cell phone and check the signal bars as you walk around the area. Where are you when the signal bars go up or down?
When it comes to making sure your jammer will perform even in the most difficult circumstances, make sure to figure out how high the cell signal bars go in the area. If the area offers 3 signal bars, even if it’s only in one spot, you’ll want to make sure you pick a jammer that has a higher output power.
Keep in mind that thick walls, especially made of metal or concrete, can interfere with cell signals and your jammer’s signals. Think about where the targeted cell phones will be in relation to your jammer, and keep in mind any obstructions that could hinder your jammer’s performance.
3. Pick The Right Model
Once you’ve scanned the area and taken note of all factors, you can find the right jammer. There are many different types of signal jammers, so make sure you are buying one that is specifically made to block cell phone signals. Then, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do I want a portable jammer?
- How long do I need my jammer to function?
- How big of a radius do I want my jammer to cover?
- Do I need my jammer to also block other types of signals?
Of course, the jammer you choose will also have a lot to do with your budget. The more powerful and versatile the jammer device is, the more money you’ll have to spend. Some basic, portable devices are only $150, but more advanced jammers can cost hundreds.
In addition, make sure you check for information on the specific model’s features, including:
- Operating time – how long the device can stay on with one charge
- Jamming range – how far the jamming device’s signals can go to block device signals
- Power supply – the type of power source the jamming device requires, such as batteries or outlets
Make sure you will be able to power up and maintain your device’s function throughout use.
4. Check Jammer Output Power
One of the most important specifications of your jammer will be the output power. Understanding the output power and how it works in relation to cell signal and range will help you set up your jammer for success. To check the jammer output power, you can read the specifications on the manufacturer’s information.
For many devices, you can also turn on your device and figure out the output power by reading the display. Some devices might even allow you to switch between output power levels, so make sure you’re choosing the correct one.
5. Determine The Jammer’s Range
If you couldn’t find the jammer’s range on the specifications, or you didn’t check before buying, you should determine it in a different way. You can:
- Test the device’s range manually by walking away from the device with your own cell phone and checking signal bars
- Look at the output power and compare it to the cell signal in the area
As previously mentioned, a moderate level of cell signal can be blocked by a jamming device with 1W output power within 10-30 meters. Use this example as a base for determining your range.
6. Make Sure The Jammer Is Fully Charged
Before you begin, make sure your jammer has a full power source. If your jammer operates on battery, make sure you put in new batteries. If it requires a charge, use the specified outlets to charge the device fully before operating.
7. Learn The Jammer Settings
If you have a basic phone jammer, you might not have many options. More advanced jammers will allow you to switch frequencies and networks you wish to block and can change their range. Make sure to fully explore the settings so that you are using the correct ones for your intentions.
8. Choose The Right Spot
Think back to when you first scanned the area. Where were the cell signals stronger and weaker? Were there any obstructions that altered signal strength?
You need to set up your cell jammer in the perfect spot for the best effectiveness. Try to place it closest to the area with the strongest cell signals. This will help improve your jammer’s range and ability to block even the strongest signals.
Also, make sure you don’t place the jammer behind an obstruction that will weaken its own signals.
9. Turn On The Jammer
Every phone jammer model is different, but they’ll all have a way to turn on and off. Most will have a light that will turn on when the device is functioning, and they’ll also have a light that tells you when it’s charging. Many will also have a display screen that lights up when the device is on.
10. Pick The Right Settings
Now that your jammer is on and placed correctly make sure you choose the best settings for the most successful job. Make sure you are blocking the most common channels for phone signals, especially the network. If your area offers 5G, it’s important to set your jammer to cover the 5G network as well.
11. Test The Jammer
The only way to know for sure that your phone jammer is working properly is to test it yourself. Pull out your cell phone and walk around the area to ensure you’re not getting a cell signal anywhere. Once you’ve tested it, make any adjustments you need to improve the jammer’s function.
Use Your Phone Jammer Now
Having a full understanding of your phone jammer’s functionality and setting it up properly will mean great success with blocking cell phone communication. You’ll be ready to go for your workplace meeting, university test, or time for peace and quiet.
The Signal Jammer offers a wide range of signal jammers, from basic to advanced, for all budgets. Shop for a phone jammer today!